On December 14th 2007, the members of the executive committee of the FairValley Association visited the Sustainability Institute and the Lyndoch EcoVillage near Stellenbosch. We saw there various methods for alternative ecological friendly sewage treatment methods, and environmental friendly sustainable building materials been used for the houses at the village - adobe bricks, made of earth (soil), clay, straw which been molded and "baked" under the sun without using any poluting ovens. Many thanks to Lisa for the warm hospitality and the valued learning experience.

The Fair Valley Association (hereinafter “the Association”) was established during 1997. The Association’s Constitution was adopted on 28 May 2000 as “Die Grondwet van Fair Valley Gemeenskaplike Eiendomsvereniging” and registered in terms of the Communal Property Associations Act 28 of 1996. The farm Fair Valley (FARM 1644, IN EXTENT 17,6715 hectares) was acquired by the Association. The acquisition of the farms was funded partially by government grants made available to the qualifying employees and partially by a grant made available by the Fairview Trust. Mr. Charles Back and the Fairview Trust ( http://www.fairview.co.za/ ) are morally committed to the success of the Fair Valley Association. The initiative was supported at the time when the land was purchased, by the Department of Land Affairs.

OBJECTIVE OF THE DEVELOPMENT

This is a sincere holistic attemptto address the need for housingwithin a strong sustainable communityfor us - farm workers and for otherpreviously disadvantage peopleand to empower usto own our homes and other properties, to manage our life, to gain skills and to contribute to the environment for the future of us all.

The executive committee of the Fair Valley Association, which is the authorized representative body of the Association, meets regularly to make decisions in regard with managing the Association’s affairs. The committee passed a resolution on Friday 9th of November 2007, to fully adopt the EcoVillage rational for their land and instructed to prepare this proposal. The Committee approved this proposal and embraced it as its official plan, on Monday 26 November 2007.

DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES – THE EcoVILLAGE CONCEPT

The Fair Valley Village will be developed as an EcoVillage – environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

Sustainable proven alternative building methods will be applied, in order to achieve better quality and better affordability of the construction as well as of the long term maintenance costs.

“The Expanding Home” concept will be applied – plans will be drawn and approved for 120sqm homes, while minimum building size will be 80sqm. Families will have the choice to purchase the basic home or the full size one, or something in between, in accordance with their financial ability. They may expand the house during the years to come when they can afford it and if they wish so.

Residential plots can be vary in sizes but will not be less than 250sqm. All residential plots and houses will be deeded to the owners.

Residential development should cover no more than 50% of the entire land.

At least 20% must be developed as open areas, public gardens, parks, sport fields, dams etc.

30% of the EcoVillage will include commercial and public services facilities; pre-primary and primary schools; a Community Center with a public swimming pool; a visitors’ education center; a Church; a commercial center with options for small and micro businesses opportunities.

The Fair Valley Association, in conjunction with the other developers and institutions, whether to be involved, will incorporate any potential business opportunity, and skills development opportunity, into the planning and the execution of the project. This includes training young adults and unemployed people as part of the construction process, especially when new alternative building and energy methods are applied.

A Home Owners’ Association, which will include the future owners of properties in the EcoVillage, will be formed, in order to allow management and maintenance of the communal properties, and the implementation of the fundamental principals of the EcoVillage life style. Owners of properties, who automatically become members, and residents in the EcoVillage, will have to sign that they comply with the rules and regulations of the EcoVillage, as will be stated in the Home Owners’ Association’ constitution and code of conduct.

A Comprehensive consumer education program will be conducted with all home-owners. This will be fundamental in the project as all home-owners will be probably 1st time home-buyers.

Stellenbosch University’s Business School, mainly, but not only, through its Entrepreneurship course, has agreed in principal to support the planning process, as well as the implementation of the Fair Valley EcoVillage. Its role will be an important parameter in the support system for the residents.